bigAWL

I can only comment on the Celebrity website. I did figure out that it only shows cabins it thinks are appropriate for your party size. For instance, if you put in three guests, obviously it won't show cabins that can only hold two. But if you put in two guests, it will not show you cabins that can accommodate three or more. This is not ideal for two groups of two who want connecting cabins. Many times, those connecting cabins are a double connected to a triple/quad. So even if there are connecting cabins available, you may never see them.

I'm sailing first time on Eclipse next month. I was able to book (and pay for) specialty dining restaurants weeks ago. If you purchase a dining package, you specifically CANNOT book before boarding the cruise. Check out available reservations now, unless it's different on the Apex than on the Eclipse.

The article says: "Amsterdam has become a victim of its own popularity, attracting 20 million annual visitors." and "Cruise ships have become a symbol of the problem, with more than 100 mooring in the capital every year." Those 100 ships probably don't bring more than 400,000 guests each year, which is a drop in the bucket of 20M. But those ~400,000 certainly spend much less per person than those using hotels and restaurants. Unless the ship fees to the port can make that up (maybe they can, I don't know), then it's an easy call to cut cruises off first. Will they go after river cruises, as well? It seems to me that would have a much bigger impact on the river cruise industry than the ocean cruise ban does for that industry.

I assume you purchased that bottle? Or was that offered by the glass on a drink package?

I explored this question a few months back. Based on responses from those who sailed Concierge in the past, this is the best list I could come up with for what the Concierge staff can do for you (or presumably for anyone, since they are not actually there exclusively for Concierge class guests): Dining reservations and changes Print boarding passes Tender tickets Help with general problems Help with Guest Services issues with a shorter line Of course there are other benefits that go along with your booking, but I was specifically looking for services performed by the Concierge staff. If you're interested in reading the responses I got, here's the thread:

Do be aware that not all SV verandas are the same size. While they all have the same depth (door to railing), some are wider and others narrower. I think the widest ones are 2152, 1674, 1206, 9382, 8344, 7364, and 6312 (my guess is these book up the fastest). The ones just to the starboard side of those seem to be quite a bit narrower (subtract 2 from those room numbers to get the small ones). Others may be some degree in between.

What does it say under "Before you Board"... "What not to pack?"

For what it's worth... Both of the following paragraphs appear in my Cruise Docs (Guest Ticket Booklet) that just became available to view today for Eclipse from Vancouver to Alaska on Aug 13. "Guests are not allowed to bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use. Guests wishing to bring personal wine onboard with them on embarkation day may do so, limited to one (1) bottle per guest, but when consumed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00. A corkage fee does not apply to guests with a Classic Beverage Package or Premium Beverage Package." "**Two bottles of wine per guest (of legal drinking age) are allowed on embarkation day, subject to corkage fees. A corkage fee does not apply to guests with the Classic Drink Package or Premium Drink Package."

Sure that's the point. But if they won't eat anything that's presented, then why bother? I assume one could feasibly enjoy watching the animations and then east something different.

Many differences have nothing to do with opinion.

I was wondering about this specifically for Le Petit Chef, which I think has the most limited menu of all. Do they offer kids menu options, as well?

I know how to ignore a user. Is there a way to stop an entire thread from showing up on my forum list?

Thanks!

As said by others, AI must be chosen at time of sailing and applies to both cruisers. Even if you choose not to go the AI route, and choose to add a beverage package later, you will still have to buy it for everyone in the cabin (or zero-proof package for those under 21). Some have reported getting that requirement waved due to medical or related issues, but it's a case by case basis.

Thanks for the honest review. Did you experience or have any thoughts about specialty dining, Mast Grill, Café al Bacio, or other onboard activities? And there have been discussions on this forum about noise levels around the ships' public areas/venues, particularly concerning loud music. Was this your experience, as well?